News Release

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Family Reunited with Their Family Pets NR11600ne

Los Angeles: On December 3, 2011 Los Angeles City residents Jahari and Shana Boyd discovered that their two dogs, “Myles” a Cocker Spaniel/Terrier mix and “Sam” a Boston Terrier/Pug mix had escaped from their secured yard in the 8800 block of Roslyndale Avenue in Arleta.

Jahari and Shana had recently purchased a home in the area and they were unfamiliar with the neighborhood. Having recently moved to the area and losing their dogs, which they consider to be members of their family, they described feeling as if their home was “an empty shell without their family members.” Aggravating their feelings of despair was the thought of celebrating the Christmas season without their family pets and not knowing whether the dogs were safe.

On December 4, 2011, Officers Farner and Martinez were returning to Operations- Valley Bureau in Panorama City when they saw two stray dogs roaming the streets. Upon observing the dogs they noticed that the dogs were well cared for and must be someone’s pets. Farner and Martinez took the initiative to take custody of the dogs and embarked on a two-week search for their owners.

Officer Farner took the dogs into her home; cleaned them, fed them and cared for them as if they were her own. Upon returning to work the next day, Officer Farner created and posted fliers to notify the public that two dogs had been found. After several days of no- response, Officer Farner posted a public notice on Craigslist advertising the found dogs. In spite of her extraordinary effort in attempting to locate the owners of the dogs, she was unsuccessful.

On December 19, 2011, Farner and Martinez, while assigned to the Valley Bureau Crime Task Force were working Foothill Division. While conducting enforcement duties, Officer Martinez saw a flier that read, “Lost Dog.” The flier had a picture of the two dogs as well as a description and names of the dogs, along with contact information for Jahiri Boyd. Upon seeing the flier, Martinez and Farner recognized the dogs as the ones Officer Farner had been caring for.

Farner contacted Jahiri and advised her that her dogs were safe and well cared for. Upon receiving the phone call Jahiri fell to her knees and started crying as she was so thankful that her dogs were safe and that they would be returning home. Farner made arrangements with Jahiri to meet with her and reunite Jahiri with “Myles” and “Sam” their beloved family members.

On December 28, 2011, Sgt. Plugge spoke to Jahiri to inquire about her dogs and the experience of being reunited with her family pets. Jahiri stated that she was extremely grateful for the thoughtfulness, compassion and caring attitude Officer Farner displayed towards her pets. She went on to say that her faith in mankind has been restored. She is proud that Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department are dedicated to their motto of “To protect and to serve,” even when the recipients of the service are family pets.

Officers Farner and Martinez are to be commended for extending their compassion and concern to not only the human residents of this City but also to our four legged friends that are often times, also thought of as members.

Officer Farner in particular is commended for her extraordinary effort in caring for the animals and tirelessly searching for their owner so that they could be reunited with their family. The actions of these officers reflect highly upon the Los Angeles Police Department and made great strides in emphasizing the partnership between the Police Department and the citizens that we serve.

For further information please contact Sgt. Matthew Plugge at 818-269-9733 or Sgt. Kalyn at 818-644-8080.